Sea Level, Climate Change and Melting Glaciers Threaten Coastal Regions

Sea levels are rising faster than at any point in the last 4,000 years, posing serious risks to coastal cities worldwide. A Rutgers University study found that since 1900, global sea levels have increased at an average rate of 1.5 mm per year, with thermal expansion and melting glaciers driving this acceleration. Climate change is warming oceans, causing them to expand, while ice sheets are melting at unprecedented rates. In particular, China’s major cities are facing a “double threat” as they are particularly vulnerable to sinking. Researchers warn that deltas—fertile regions close to water, essential for farming and urban development—will be hit hardest, disrupting global supply chains. For every centimetre of sea rise, around 6 million people are at risk of flooding. Urgent global and local action is required.

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Further reading: Sea levels are rising faster than at any time in the last 4,000 years. Here’s why

Regulators Overlook Toxic PFAS at Lancashire Chemicals Plant

Greenpeace has accused the Environment Agency of overlooking dangerous PFAS chemicals emitted by AGC Chemicals’ Lancashire plant. Despite evidence of EEA-NH4, a reprotoxic PFAS, being present in surrounding soil, the Agency hasn’t tested for it. PFAS are linked to health risks like cancers and hormone disruption. The chemical is highly persistent in the environment, yet the Environment Agency has focused only on PFOA, another PFAS. AGC Chemicals asserts it is meeting regulatory standards, while Greenpeace calls for wider testing of all PFAS compounds to prevent harmful health outcomes. PFAS monitoring gaps could lead to missed risks in the region, where 6 million people are exposed to potential harm for every centimetre of sea level rise. Concerns are growing that limited oversight is leaving polluters unaccountable.

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Further reading: Regulators overlooking toxic Pfas found around Lancashire chemicals plant

APG Invests $350M in Return to Scale Energy Storage Across Europe

APG, managing ABP’s pension fund, has invested €300 million ($350 million) in Return, a leading energy storage provider, to expand its battery energy storage systems (BESS) across Europe. The investment will help scale Return’s storage solutions, crucial for the clean energy transition, ensuring renewable energy from sources like wind and solar is efficiently stored and used. The company currently operates 70 MW of storage capacity in the Netherlands, with 450 MW under construction. The 5 GW European network planned by 2030 will boost grid resilience and help meet growing demand from electrified transport and AI. APG sees grid-scale battery storage as key to integrating renewables and easing grid congestion. Return is also pioneering a “virtual battery” concept for energy companies.

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Further reading: APG Invests $350 Million in Return to Scale Energy Storage Platform Across Europe

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‘Wild Kingdom’ Goes National: UK’s WildEast Expands Pledge to Rewild Land

WildEast, a grassroots movement started by three “eco-anxious” farmers, has expanded its efforts to rewild 20% of East Anglia to a UK-wide initiative, called Wild Kingdom. With the launch of the “map of dreams”, people, schools, and communities can pledge to restore nature by creating wildlife areas, ponds, and tree nurseries. The initiative has already led to impressive action, like restoring the Massingham Heath and planting native hedges. The aim is to connect small rewilded areas and create wilder landscapes, with a focus on biodiversity and local community engagement. This project highlights the power of community-driven nature restoration and the need for cross-sector collaboration to tackle the climate crisis.

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Further reading: ‘Next great leap’: grassroots movement to wild East Anglia goes national

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — In the photo: Small Island, Maldives  Cover Photo Credit: HistoriaSalutis